I’ve had quite a few people ask how they can differentiate between the different types of hair loss. The medical term for hair loss is Alopecia and the different symptoms will depend on what kind of hair loss you have.

I’ve listed down a few of the more common temporary and permanent hair loss experienced by most.

Temporary Hair Loss

1. Alopecia Areata

If you notice a single, coined-sized circle of perfectly smooth baldness appearing on your scalp then you are probably suffering from alopecia areata. Before you go into shock, here’s the good news, experts say alopecia areata patches usually regrow in three to six months without treatment.

Alopecia Areata

Example of Alopecia Areata

However, hair sometimes grows back in white or you may get more than a single patch or alopecia areata. In slightly more serious cases, patches that grow back may be replaced by other patches or the entire scalp may go bald.

Does anyone remember Australian tennis legend Patrick Rafter? I remembered he had a white spot of white hair on his head. For all we know, it could be due to alopecia areata.

2. Telogen Effluvium

This type of hair loss happens suddenly and can cause massive shedding. This type of hair loss usually causes overall hair thinning and not bald patches. This form is also considered temporary and some causes include:

  • childbirth
  • high fever
  • sudden weight loss
  • surgery
  • severe illness

Usually, hair grows back within three to six months after childbirth or recovering from surgery or illness.

3. Traction Alopecia

This happens when you wear tight braids or certain hairstyles such as pigtails, braids or cornrows. Hairstyles that put too much pressure on the roots will cause hairs to fall out. Go for looser, more comfortable hairstyles.

Permanent Hair Loss

1. Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is considered a genetic, permanent form of hair loss that can affect both sexes. It is however more commonly found in men than in women.

Androgenetic alopecia in men is typically characterised by a receding hairline at the temples and balding at the top of the head. It is quite likely that you will end up partially or completely bald.

Women will usually experience thinning hair near the front, sides or crown. Women usually maintain their frontal hairline and rarely experience complete baldness.

Some experts feel that balding creates self esteem issues among men suffering from it but I personally find bald men very sexy. Look at Bruce Willis! I know a lot of my friends who think he’s very attractive.

2. Cicatricial (scarring) Alopecia

This form of hair loss happens when inflammation damages and scars the hair follicle, causing permanent hair loss. I have a few articles on this type of hair loss which I will blog about on a later date.

Links:

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/tc/hair-loss-topic-overview
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/tc/hair-loss-symptoms
http://www.prlog.org/10013571-symptoms-of-hair-loss.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/hair_loss/article.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hair-loss/DS00278/DSECTION=symptoms

All images taken from Creative Commons .

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